TW463400B - Air-managing system for metal-air battery using resealable septum - Google Patents

Abstract

An air-managing system for metal-air battery includes resealable septum and one or more hollow needles. The septum separates air pathway into two segments. One segment is from air cathodes of the battery to the septum and the other is from the septum to the outside air. The needles provide conduits to connect two segments. The septum re-closes its torn portion when the needles are removed. Also disclosed is a reusable air manager including a fan and such needles. The air manager can be coupled to a disposable cell pack which has a septum that can be pierced by the needles.

Description

4 634 0 0 V. Description of the invention (1) Field of the invention The present invention relates to batteries, and more particularly to an air management system for metal air batteries. Related Reference Patent Applications The following patent applications, which serve as reference materials, contain the relevant subject matter of this patent application and file a patent application at the same time as this application. " CYLINDRICAL METAL-AIR BATTERY WITH A CYLINDRICAL PERIPHERAL AIR CATHODE " (Attorney Docket 01446-0805); " AIR MANAGER SYSTEM FOR METAL-AIR BATTERIES UTILIZING A DIAPHRAGM OR BELLOWS " (Attorney Docket 01446-0890OVER); " FOR A METAL-AIR BATTERY UTILIZING A VARIABLE VOLUME ENCLOSURE " (Attorney Docket 01446-1110); " DIFFUSION CONTROLLED AIR VENT WITH AN INTERIOR FAN " (Attorney Docket 01446-0940);

4634 00 5. Description of the invention (2) " UNIFORM SHELL FOR A METAL-AIR BATTERY " (Attorney Docket 01446-1100); " LOAD RESPONSIVE AIR DOOR FOR A METAL-AIR CELL " (Attorney Docket 01446-1130); GEOMETRY CHANGE DIFFUSION TUBE FOR METAL-AIR BATTERIES "(Attorney Docket 01446-1 000); and " AIR DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH VOLUME-CHANGEABLE PLENUM OF METAL-AIR BATTERY " (Attorney Docket 012446-0910). Explanation of related conventional technologies metal air The battery includes air that can penetrate the cathode and the metal anode, and is separated by the electrolyte. When a metal-air battery is discharged, such as a zinc-air battery, the oxygen in the surrounding air is converted to argon oxide on the cathode, and zinc is nitrogen oxide on the anode It oxidizes and releases water and electrons to produce energy I. Metal-air batteries have a high energy density because the cathode uses the oxygen in the surrounding air as an electrochemical reactant instead of gold or metal compounds Heavier materials such as metal air batteries are often designed with multiple battery packs in a common housing to provide Sufficient output power. Jun. 4 634 〇 〇 5. Description of the invention (3) If a light battery is produced to operate the metal air electric cathode, it is usually controlled by air and when the battery is not in operation, the system will turn the air The cathode is facing the large system, and the amount of oxygen in the surrounding air is obtained from the opening to achieve the required electrical port. In general use, it is sealed because the moisture in the surrounding air is generated; monitoring, drying or discharge is limited. Diffusion control openings have been disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 569 1 074 β requires a more stringent isolation method. Cells, air systems that must supply oxygen to the battery to provide reactive air, and can be isolated from the air cathode. Some The habit of opening is very large, or using a fan to blow through the air cathode to provide sufficient flow rate force output. The open air cathode or open tape, plugging the 'mechanical door' and other sealed and oxygen can make the battery in some cases, which in turn leads to Battery efficiency and service life are applied to air controllers, however, 'longer storage life is sometimes mentioned above, sealing systems, such as sealing tape, —Generally, the bill of materials: 'and new sealing equipment is needed, such as new tape, in order to close the t :: The door is opened to use a mechanical door, and then opened and closed multiple times with a mechanical machine, 3 The use of disposable batteries this time makes it possible that after the battery loses power, the mechanical mechanism needs expensive mobile devices, and it is easy to leak. Therefore, a reusable and practical sealing system is needed to avoid

Page 6 463400 V. Description of the invention (4) '' When the battery is not in use, water vapor transmission and leakage current will occur.丨 The system must be simple, and it can be operated repeatedly within the battery life limit. In the next step, the disposable part is minimized to reduce costs and protect the surrounding environment. Based on this, when each battery pack reaches the end of its useful life, it becomes efficient to not have to discard the air controller. If the battery is divided into disposable and reusable parts, a simple and reliable bite device is needed to connect the two parts. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present description provides an improved ventilation system for a metal-air unit cell or a metal-air battery, and an improved ventilation method. The battery has a long storage life and can store all the original power during storage. . According to the present invention, this object is achieved in a metal-air power supply system. The air passage section is separated by a self-sealable partition and has a hollow pointed needle to pierce the partition. Therefore, the present invention provides a ventilation system for Metal empty cell The battery has a casing or outer frame to enclose at least one metal gas battery 'at least one self-sealable separator, and one or more of the openings are covered by a self-sealable separator , And sealed, isolated from reactive gas sources or outside air. All

Page 7 463400 V. Description of the invention (5) Therefore, the partition divides the air passage into two air passages. The first air passage from the air cathode of the battery is enclosed in the case and ends at the partition. The second passage of air to the outside air includes a tubular passage of a hollow needle. When a sharp needle pierces the partition, the two air passages will be connected together to complete the air passage, and reactive air, such as oxygen, will be transported from the outside air to the air cathode. The present invention provides a multi-mode ventilation system for metal air batteries, which has one or more openings connected to the outside air in the second section of air passage. In the second air passage, at least one air moving device should be discarded, so that the device can provide a satisfactory air flow rate for the required power. If the opening is specially designed, the leakage current of the battery will be reduced when the air moving device is closed and the battery is in a non-rotating state. In addition, the preferred opening size can prevent the battery from flooding and drying up due to the infiltration of water vapor from the outside air. Therefore, the lowest mode is for storage, the medium mode is for non-use, and the highest mode is to provide power when the air moving device is turned on. The present invention further provides a power supply system, the system has a battery pack, and the battery pack has at least a self-sealable partition, and an air management device including one or more hollow needles. The battery pack can be stored separately. To save the original electricity. The air management unit will bite the battery pack when it needs power.

Page 8463400 April / 2001 / r Lu Bu./Yin rf./Brief description of the invention (6) The present invention further provides an electric device with an air management device and a self-sealing separator. Disposable battery pack. The combination of the air management unit and the electrical unit allows the user to purchase only a disposable battery pack. The present invention further provides a battery pack including one or more metal-air unit cells, the metal-air unit cells are in a casing, and the unit cells have air openings and are sealed by a sealable separator. The present invention further provides a reusable ventilation system, which will bite the above battery pack. The ventilation system has one or more hollow needles, at least one air moving device or fan, and one or more openings for air input and output. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be seen in the preferred implementation of the present invention. The following description of the example will become more obvious when combined with the relevant drawings and the scope of the patent application. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a top view of the battery pack case and the hollow pointed needle of the present invention, showing the position of the cell, the opening, the separator and the hollow pointed needle, and indicating the direction in which the pointed needle engages the case.

4 6 34 0 0 New Year's Eve > v Ri Xiu. Correction / Correction / Supplementary V. Description of the Invention (7) Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along the secant line 2-2 in Figure 1, showing that the needle is ready Piercing the separator β FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the housing of the electrical block that is bitten by a hollow pointed needle. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, showing that the battery pack includes a partition plate adjacent to an air controller equipped with a hollow needle. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along a secant line 5-5 in FIG. 4. FIG. Fig. 6 is a top view of a battery pack adjacent to an air controller according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a top view of a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, incorporating an air moving device and adjacent to the piercing device. Fig. 8 is a top view of a battery pack and an air moving device included in an electric device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a metal-air battery or a power supply according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the secant line 1 0 -10 in 囷 9. Page 10 463400 Year of the Phenomena "month > rg Correction / Correction / Supplement V. Description of the invention (8) Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view taken along the secant line U-11 in Fig. 9. Description of drawing number 1 0 unit battery 12 housing 1 4 opening 1 6 partition 18 air chamber 2 0 unit battery pack 22 pointed needle 26 longitudinal tubular passage 3 0 battery pack 32 housing 3 4 unit battery pack 3 8 bulkhead 3 6 opening 4 0 lead plate 42 air chamber preferred embodiment · Description Now refer to the drawings in more detail, where similar figure numbers refer to similar parts, and Figures 1, 2 and 3 show one implementation of the invention

Page 11 4 634 0 0 V. Description of Invention (9) Example. This embodiment is suitable for continuously operating unit batteries, providing power and sufficient combat gas' to generate power without the need for a fan. The metal-air battery includes a plurality of unit cells and is also enclosed in a unit battery case. Since the present invention is applied to primary and secondary metal-air unit cells, the first embodiment and the unit cells of the following embodiments Both are similar to previously disclosed and known unit cells. U.S. Patent No. 5,712,065 has described suitable construction elements for primary batteries. Secondary batteries can also be used with or without the air mover of the present invention, such as U.S. Patent 5,569,551. The use of the present invention allows more efficient use of all metal-air batteries. The drawings are exaggerated for convenience. Although the present invention discloses a zinc-air battery, the present invention can be applied to other metal air batteries. The present invention can be used with primary and secondary batteries. The casing 12 isolates the plurality of unit cells 10 from the outside air, and defines the opening 14 'to be covered by a self-sealing separator ι6. The unit cell 10 is usually designed so that the reactive air chamber 18 is located below the unit cell 10. The air chamber 18 defines an air passage to the air cathode of the unit cell 10. The partition is fixed to the lower part of the housing 12 and terminates the air duct at the opening 丨 4. The early battery pack 20 includes a unit cell, an air chamber 18, a case 12, and a partition plate 16. The unit battery pack 20 has no air port. Place a hollow needle 22 to pierce the partition 16. The needle 22 is supported by a flat plate, a housing or other similar members, so that the needle can be moved back and forth longitudinally. The needle 22 has a needle 24, a longitudinal tubular passage 26, and defines the passage

Page 12 4 634 〇 〇 5. Description of the invention (10) --- the circular cylindrical side wall of the channel. The needle 22 is preferably aligned vertically with the separator. The needle 22 moves vertically to the needle 22 of the separator 16. The needle 24 can pierce the separator 28 and the separator material so as to tightly surround the outer side of the needle. 1 Effect (Figure 3). Part of the needle 22 is inserted into the separator. The needle is held by the separator material around the needle 22. Therefore, the thin channel 26 provides an air passage connected to the outside air. Replacing the inserted needle 22 in the longitudinal direction (Figure 3) will remove the needle 22, and the separator 16 closes the torn portion 28 again and seals it up again in order to connect the unit battery pack 20 with Outside air is sealed off. The mechanism is similar to a cancerous bottle-shaped septum ' in which the inserted hypodermic needle is removed. The needle 22 may repeatedly pierce the separator 16 and move away from the separator 16. The unit battery pack 20 can be stored before use or when the unit battery is not activated. Because the unit cell 10 is not exposed to fresh air, and the flow will be minimized, it is easier to have a longer storage life than a unit cell enclosed in a casing with an air port. When the unit battery pack 20 is in use or when the unit battery 10 is activated, the hollow pointed needle 22 will pierce the partition 16 'and the longitudinal tubular passage 26 provides an air passage connected to the outside air, as described above. Therefore, the unit battery 0 provides sufficient current to power the load. Therefore, the present invention allows the unit battery to have a longer storage life 'and to provide sufficient power again and again without using any complicated mechanical door or using a single tape.

4634 〇 〇 5. Description of the invention (ιι) '--- The hollow portion of the longitudinal tubular channel 26 or the needle 22 should be large enough to meet the load's demand for oxygen and limit the air flow f from the outside air. This, the diameter of the tubular channel should allow air to flow through. If the needle 22 is too thin, the official channel provides a small air flow. If the needle 22 is too large, the septum 16 will not easily close the tubular passage again. If the length is less than 1/8 ", it is difficult for the sharp needle to pierce the partition 16, and / or the tube cannot restrict the air flow rate to the required maximum. If the length is greater than 1/2 ", it is difficult to control the needle 22 'and pierce the separator 16a with the needle 22. Any number of longitudinal tubular passages can be used to meet the power demand, although it is better to use two or more needles. Needle, because of the official channel. For example, if two of the above-mentioned power requirements, each square inch, the length is 0.2 to 0.5 British Road 26 ', that is, any number of pointed needles. Needle. Most unit cells 20 having one or more intake and exhaust needles need to have a needle area of 0.05 to 0.25 square inches.

Waiwei materials have mechanical self-supporting properties, and can be made of plastic, metal ’s ceramic or other materials that are impermeable to gas. Plastic enclosures with a certain degree of gas permeability are permissible. It is preferable to use a material that is resistant to acids or alkalis' because most of the electrolyte is acidic or alkaline. The separator 16 is generally a known compound which is made of rubber, synthetic viscoelastic body, or self-resealable to the separator 16. Suitable separator materials include materials used to protect pill bottles, such as stone rubber, PTFE / stone rubber, natural rubber kick, butyl rubber, PTFE / natural rubber, PTFE / butyl rubber, fluorocarbon rubber,

Page 14 4 634 Ο Ο 5. Description of the invention (12) ~ ~~~:-

Vitona et al. These materials are generally impermeable to gas and can leave the unit battery pack from the outside air or any reactive gas source Ik 'to obtain a longer storage life. In addition, low permeability can prevent flooding or drying out of high or low concentrations of water vapor 10 in the outside air. k is taken out of the van. It is also used up: 'If you want to use a higher initial open circuit unit battery voltage to avoid the low voltage of the new battery pack, you can use a semi-transparent α two U pass The permeable material allows oxygen or reactive gas to pass through, and maintains the battery voltage of Kai III ί 2 early π to a high voltage value, which is sufficient for immediate use. =: At this time, the separator material is generally selected from silicone or resin, and other Gas semi-permeable material. 】 If you want to use a silicone with a general permeability coefficient of 19685 (cm3-mm / m2day am) for a unit battery pack 20 with an opening area of 6cin2, and the leakage current required by the milk nut is about i ma ', then the required oxygen flow rate 5,47 cm3 / day »Thus, the thickness of the partition is seven = 19685 X 6 X 10_ " 〇21 / 5.74 = 〇45 (). It is necessary to understand that 'the above-mentioned pair of tubular channels, openings, partitions And the second limitation of the casing is based on the power demand, and the power demand changes as the electrical device to be engaged with the single-cell battery pack 20. Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. As the first implementation

P.15 4 634 〇 〇 5. Description of the invention (13) .. As shown in the example, the battery pack 3 which is caught by the air-permeable needle is more suitable for continuous use. The metal-air battery includes a plurality of unit cells 10, which are enclosed in a unit cell case 32. Schemas have been scaled for ease of illustration. The housing 32 defines a unit battery pack 34 and isolates the plurality of unit batteries from the outside air, except for the opening 36 covered by the self-sealable partition 38. The opening 36 on the bottom surface of the unit battery pack 34 is defined by a lead plate 40, and the lead plate 40 can divide each unit cell 0 and is composed of a casing material. The lead plate 40 mechanically supports the partition plate 38. In the present embodiment, the unit battery pack 34 has a smaller reactive air chamber 42 therein. The partition plate 38 is fixed to the bottom surface of the unit battery pack 34 and terminates the air passage at the opening 36. The unit battery pack 34 therefore has no air vent on the cathode side of the separator between the air cathode and the electrolyte. The air chamber housing 44 defines an air chamber box 46 and has a plurality of hollow pins 48 and openings 50. The air chamber box 46 is disposed and collected as air. A hollow needle 48 having a 'sharp needle 52 and a longitudinal tubular passage 54 is disposed on the upper surface of the air chamber box 46. Any number of sharp needles can be used on the upper surface ' to meet power requirements. Preferably, each opening 35 has one or more pointed needles. As described in the first embodiment, when the unit battery 10 is not in use, it is isolated from the outside air when it is not live, and its leakage current is minimized. 1 aiai # ^ long ° Used in the unit battery pack 34 The middle or unit battery 10 is alive. The air chamber box 46 engages the unit battery pack, and the needle 52 pierces the partition.

Page 16 4634 0 0 V. Description 56 of the invention (14) 38 and the hollow needle 48 penetrates the partition 38 to provide an air passage to the air chamber 58. The total cross-sectional area of the tubular passage 54 is usually larger than the cross-sectional area of the opening 50, so that the total air flow rate through the tubular passage 54 is larger than the air flow rate through the opening 50. Therefore, immediately after the occlusion, the available current of the unit battery 10 will increase rapidly, consume reactive gases such as oxygen 'in the air chamber 58, and gradually decrease when the stored oxygen is used up. Finally, the available current becomes a fixed value, and the current is determined by the air flow rate through the opening 50. Therefore, its current characteristics satisfy the initial high power demand of the connected electrical device, which is controlled by the total cross-sectional area of the tubular passage 54 and the opening 50, and the volume of the air chamber 58. If a very low stable current is required, the size of the opening 50 is preferably such that the length of the opening 50 in the thickness direction of the casing 44 is greater than the width 50 of the opening 50 perpendicular to the thickness direction of the casing 44 to limit the diffusion effect through the opening 50. η limit „means that when the output current becomes almost constant, the diffusion rate of oxygen or pollutants through the opening 50 is very low, so that the moisture transmission is sufficiently low, and the efficiency and storage life of the unit battery 10 are only Very small impact. As described in the first embodiment, the air chamber box 46 will be disengaged from the unit battery pack 34 'to allow the hollow needle 48 to be removed from the partition 38 so that the partition 38 is sealed again. Therefore,' used The unit battery pack can retain the remaining power during storage. In addition, the separator 38 can be made of semi-permeable material, so that the initial open-circuit unit battery voltage can be maintained after a long period of storage. High voltage values, as described above. Housing 32, open, $ 38 'air chamber box 46, needle 48, needle channel 54 and opening 5

Page 17 463400 V. The size 'number and material' of the description of the invention (15) preferably changes with the connection of the first embodiment. In particular, the 'pointer 48 is preferably short so that it can be controlled without losing its function. 'In the first two embodiments, in order to protect the unit battery from being connected to the battery without load' without flooding or drying out, the battery pack must be designed to seal the separator again. Another embodiment of FIG. 6 shows the same unit battery pack 20 as in FIG. 1. The battery pack 'provided in this embodiment can hold the pointed needles through the separator without flooding or drying. The characteristics of the unit battery pack 20 are the same as those proposed in the first embodiment. However, the air controller 60 has an air controller housing 62, two pointed needles 70 and 72, a fan 80 serving as an air moving device, and two diffusion limiting pipes or Isolate the tubes 82 and 84. Position the air controller so that the needles 70 and 72 can pierce the partition 16. The sharp needles 70 and 72 are hollow, and their needles 86 and 88 are sharp to penetrate the portions 90 and 92 of the partition 16 as described in the first embodiment. The needles 70 and 72 are located on the upper surface of the air controller housing 62 so that the air controller engages the partition 16 under the unit battery pack 20. The air controller housing 62 is non-permeable, while the two tubular channels 94 and 96 of the needles 70 and 72, and the openings 82 and 84 are the only channels leading to the air controller housing 62. A fan 80 is arranged to divide the internal space of the casing 62 into two air chambers 98 and 100, and cause an air flow and / or a pressure difference to cause an exhaust air flow from the unit cell through the tubular passage 94 and The airflow of the channel 96 to the unit cell. Air chamber

Page 18 4 634 〇 〇 V. Description of the invention (16) The pressurizing effect of 100 will allow air to flow through the tubular passage 96 and exit through the circular tube 84, and the air chamber 100 will enter the outside air. At the same time, the low-dust state generated by the air chamber 98 allows air to be pumped out from the unit cell through the tubular passage 94 and the generated air will be drawn into the air chamber 98 from the outside through the circular tube 82. The generated air is then repeatedly circulated between the air controller and the unit battery. The size of the official channels 94 and 96 is generally larger than the openings 82 and 84, and the resistance of the air flow of the tubular channels 94 and 96 is smaller than the resistance of the openings 82 and 84. Therefore, more air moves through the tubular passages 94 and 96 during the recirculation process. When there are 10 μ-cell batteries, the sharp needle channel 94 and the controller 60 are relatively large and just started to open 82 batteries. In addition, when the unit battery pack 20 is not caught by the air controller, the battery case 12 and the partition plate 6 will isolate the unit battery 丨 0, so that the unit battery has a longer storage life. When the unit battery 10 is in use or activated, the gas controller 60 will bite the unit battery pack 20 with the needles 70 and 72, and 70 and 72 pierce the separator 16 by about -half the length. Therefore, the tube 96 provides an air passage from the air cathode (not shown) of the unit cell 10 to the empty air chambers 98 and 100. If the air chamber 98 is filled with reactive gas, and if the tubular passages 94 and 96 The wider current characteristics are similar to those described in the second embodiment. # And Μ are diffusion limiting tubes, so when the fan 80 is turned off; ^ Longer storage life, even if the partition is still M pin 7 [) And official channels 94 and 96 can be used to isolate the unit cell 10

ά 634 Ο Ο ^ __ —. — --- 5. Description of the invention (17) Diffuse limit tube ° Diffuse limit tube refers to the isolation channel or diffusion channel due to the ability to isolate. According to the US patent 5 6 91 0 74, the function of the diffusion limiting channel ^ limits the amount of oxygen reaching the air cathode to minimize the self-discharge and leakage current or non-polar current β of the metal air unit when the fan 80 does not force air through the diffusion When the restricting channels 82 and "(or 94 and 96) flow, the diffusion restricting channels 82 and 84 (or" and ") will also minimize the impact of moisture damage on the metal-air unit battery. Β metal-gas unit battery is exposed to When there is high humidity in the surrounding air, it will absorb too much water vapor through its air electrode, and it will be effective due to the phenomenon of "overrun". In addition, the metal air unit battery is exposed to the low humidity In the surrounding air, too much gas will be released from the electrolyte through the air electrode, and will fail due to the "dry-out" phenomenon. For the air or water vapor transmitted to or from the metal air unit battery, the "isolation rate" can be used to describe the efficiency of the isolation or diffusion limit. When the oxygen electrode is completely exposed to the surrounding air, the water vapor loss rate or increase rate of its unit cells, and when the oxygen electrode is isolated from the ambient air, the water vapor of its unit cells except through one or more restricted openings Loss rate or increase rate, the ratio of the two is taken as " isolation rate " β. For example, in a given metal-air unit battery, there is an electrolytic aqueous solution, about 35% of which is £ 〇11 in water, and about 50%. %Within

Page 20 463400 V. Description of the invention (18) Part relative humidity 'and the surrounding air has a relative humidity of about 10%, and when there is no fan drive cycle, compared to when the oxygen electrode is isolated from the ambient air, In addition to the diffusion-limiting channels, the water loss of the unit cells must be greater than 100 times the water loss of the unit cells where the oxygen electrode is completely exposed to the surrounding air. In this example, it is necessary to obtain an isolation ratio greater than 丨 00 to 1. In particular, 'Each diffusion limiting channel 82 and 84 (or 94 and 96) preferably has a width perpendicular to the direction of air flow, and a length parallel to the direction of air flow. Two lengths and widths are selected to remove. Mobile device milk. When the forced air flows through the diffusion limiting channels 82 and 84 (or 94 and 96), the air flow of the diffusion limiting channels 82 and 84 (or 94 and 96) is forced. The length is longer. The length is preferably more than twice the width. It is best to use larger ones. lack'. Depending on the metal-air unit cell, the ratio can be greater than 200 °. However, the preferred aspect ratio is about 10 to 1. The empty limit box and 84 (or 94 and 96) form part of the free limit, and S = must be between the surrounding air and the oxygen electrode. Each expansion

彳 -Lianhao 疋 uses the round tube method described above.

> ~ General ’The diffusion-restricted channel is the length of the Π red Q female diffusion-restricted channel. For some applications, it is about 0.88 m ϋ Λ, which is 0’ 3 to 2 ’5 inches or longer, preferably

4634 0 0 Description of the invention (19) ~~ " A about 0.09 to 0.19 inches. These applications have a total opening area of approximately 0.0007 to 0.5 square inches per diffusion-restricted channel, measured in a direction perpendicular to the air flow. In other applications, the length of each diffusion-limiting channel is about 0.1 to 0.3 inches or longer, preferably about 〇1 to 〇2 inches, and the inner diameter is about 0.01 to 0.05 inches, preferably About 0.15 inches. The preferred size for a particular application is related to the geometry of the channel and cathode compartment, the specific air mover used, and the volume required to operate the cell battery in relation to air.

For example, in a preferred embodiment of the unit battery pack 20 for powering a portable computer (not shown), a 6-volt battery having six unit batteries 10 is used. The output of each unit cell is about 10 volts or slightly larger, and the current is about 1 to 4 amps. Each unit cell 10 (not shown) is about "to" square inches, and the cathode area of the 'w exposure path is about 108 to 132 square inches. The current density of the battery is therefore about 50 to 200 per square inch of cathode area. To meet the needs of the office, an air flow of about 33 to 2000 is required. Diffusion-restricted channels do not have to be cylindrical, as long as the cross-sectional area can be provided, β-isolated channels do not need to be uniform along the entire length, as long as each diffusion-restricted channel has at least a part = Used to grow: for the required isolation. In addition, the 'diffusion limiting channel' may be straight or curved along its entire length. In fact, 'diffusion limiting channels can be formed with a gap between two-dimensional surfaces' to move from the surrounding air to the air cathode. Other diffusion limiting channels and systems are in the U.S. Patent 56 1 074 and U.S. Patent Application 08/556 61 3 are revealed, and

Page 22 463400 V. Description of the Invention (20) · All the contents disclosed in these documents are regarded as the reference materials of this case. See FIG. 6 'When the fan 80 is turned on, a lot of air will flow from the outside into the air controller housing 62 through the opening 82', and mix with the air flow passing through the tubular passage 94 'and enter the air chamber 1 through the tubular passage 96. 8, and then leave the air controller housing 6 2 through the opening 8 4. Therefore, the unit battery pack can provide the required power to the electrical devices that are 'connected'. The fan speed can be adjusted to provide the required power. The fan is operated with electric power from the unit battery 10 and utilizes wiring and terminals, not shown in FIG. 6.

Since the openings 8 2 and 84 are diffusion-restricted channels, the air flow through the openings 8 2 and 84 is more quantitative. The channels 82 and 84 are therefore preferably designed and arranged to have sufficient air flow. 'Using an air moving device or a fan 80, so that the metal air unit battery 10 can provide sufficient wheel current, generally at least 50ma, preferably It is at least 130 ma. In addition, the diffusion limiting channels 82 and 84 are preferably designed to restrict air flow and air diffusion, so that the metal-air unit battery can provide a drain current to the load when the fan 80 is not driving air through the channels 82 and 84. A factor that is less than about 50 or greater for the round current. Therefore: When the fan 80 is turned off and the humidity in the unit battery is almost constant, only a small amount of air will diffuse through the passage. Water vapor in the unit cells protects the air cathode (not shown) from exposure to oxygen. The air cathode is sufficiently isolated from the surrounding gas by water and gas, so that the unit cell 10 has a longer life span, and there is no need to use mechanical air gates or other similar structures to platinum seal the channels 82 and 84. In addition, the diffusion limiting channels 82 and 84 are preferably

Page 23 4634 0 0 5. Description of the invention (21) Provides an isolation ratio greater than 50 to 1. When the air controller 60 is removed from the unit battery pack 20, the unit battery 10 is isolated from the outside air, and the drain current will be as low as in the storage mode before the use of the unit battery pack 20 for the first time. With the help of a semi-permeable barrier 16 'the open-circuit voltage β at the beginning can be maintained. When the air controller 60 occludes the unit battery pack 20, the openings 82 and 84 are the only passages for the outside air.' Reduce the drain current mode when the fan is turned off, as described above. When the fan is turned on, the current to the load will change between several modes adjusted by the fan speed control to meet its power demand. Since air control The device 60 can be reused with the unit battery pack 20, and even if the energy of the unit battery pack 20 is released, it is possible to minimize the disposable portion. Housing 1 2 'opening 1 4, partition 16, air chamber 18, air controller housing 62, needles 70 and 72, tubular passages 94 and 96, air chambers 98 and 10G, fan 80 and openings 82 and 84 The size 'number and material are preferably similar construction elements as used in the previous embodiment. In particular, if the needles 70 and 72 become larger and the tubular passages 94 and 96 are larger than the diffusion limiting passage, the fan 80 will suck more air from the outside. Therefore, the air cathode is exposed to the air containing a high concentration of oxygen, so that the battery can provide more energy when the fan 80 is turned on. On the other hand, when the fan 80 is turned off and the air controller 60 is engaged with the unit battery pack 20, that is, when the battery is temporarily inactive, the isolation of the unit battery from the surrounding air

Page 24 4 634 0 0 _____-------------------------------- 5. Description of the invention. (22) Less Completely, and its humidity may be higher or lower, making the unit battery 10 more likely to fail due to the above-mentioned "depletion" or "dry-out H phenomenon. If the air controller 60 can be removed from the unit battery pack 2 0, and let the separator 16 close the air passage again, this problem can be avoided. Figure 7 is another embodiment of the unit battery pack 11 〇 according to the present invention, the unit battery pack housing 112 covers the unit battery 〇, Reactive air chamber (not shown) 'and an air controller portion including two air chambers 114 and 116 separated by a fan 118. The opening 120 connects the air chambers 114 and 1 to the partition 124. The opening 122 extends through the air The chambers 114 and 116 are covered by the partition plate 124 and are isolated from the outside air. The air controller is an air moving device with a fan 118, which causes air flow and / or a pressure difference between the air chambers 114 and 116. The needles 126 and 128 are locked on the needle plate 130 and are arranged to penetrate the portions 132 and 134 of the partition 124. The needles 126 and 128 have sharp needles 136 and 138, and the tubular channels 140 and 142 'are as described in other embodiments. When the unit battery 10 is not in use or is not activated, the disaster needles 26 and 1 28 are disengaged from the separator 1 24, and the insulation effect of the unit battery is Maximize, as described above. If the separator 124 is made of semi-permeable material, it can maintain a satisfactory initial open-circuit unit cell voltage during storage. When the unit cell is in use or activated, the 'pointed needle 126 And 128 will pierce the partition 124 at positions 132 and 134 to provide an air passage from the air cathode of the unit cell (not shown) to the outside air. When the fan is turned on, the air will pass through the tubular passages 140 and 142. Fresh air circulates together and changes the fan's

463400 V. Description of the invention (23) Rotation speed to adjust the load current ’to meet the high power demand of the connected electrical device. 0 If the unit battery pack must be completely isolated when the fan is turned off, the size of the tubular channel is the above-mentioned diffusion-limited channel. When the needles 1 2 6 and 1 2 8 are separated from the separator 1 2 4, the unit battery 10 will be isolated from the outside air, and the drain current before the first use of the unit battery pack 1 Γ0 is minimized to such as Low current value for storage mode. With the help of a semi-permeable barrier 1 2 4, it is possible to maintain the initial open-cell battery voltage. When the needles 126 and 128 pierce the partition 124 at the positions of the sections 132 and 134, the tubular channels 140 and 142 are the only air channels to the outside air, and the drain current when the fan is turned off is reduced as described above. . When the fan is turned on, the current of the load will change between some modes caused by the adjustment of the fan speed to meet its power demand. In this embodiment, a small component such as a needle plate 130 can start the unit battery pack as a switch without electrical contact, and provide power to an electrical device housing 112 before the battery is installed, opening 120 and 122, partitions 124, air chambers (not shown), air chambers 114 and 16, fan 8 openings 120 and 122, needles 126 and 128, tubular passages 140 and H2, and the size of the needle plate 13 The number and material are preferably similar structural elements as used in the previous embodiment. FIG. 8 is another embodiment, including a unit battery pack, and

Page 26 463400 — one by one " '----------- V. Description of the invention (24) Air management head 152 on the electrical device 154. The unit battery pack 150 includes a housing 156, a unit battery 10, a reactive air chamber 'under the unit battery (not shown), and an additional air chamber 158 adjacent to an opening 160 covered by a partition plate 162. A pair of terminals 164 and 166 connected to the positive and negative wiring (not shown) from the unit battery 10 are on the exterior of the case 1 5 6 facing the air management head 152. The case 156 uses the partition plates mentioned in the other embodiments to isolate the unit battery from the outside air. The extra air chamber 1 58 diffuses and mixes fresh air and residual air in the case 1 56 to uniformly supply a reactive gas such as oxygen to each air cathode. Alternatively, the extra air chamber can be removed and a needle can be introduced into the reactive air chamber. If the separator 162 is made of a semi-permeable material, the initial open-cell voltage can be maintained during storage. The empty bottle * management head 152 includes a housing 170 'defining an outwardly rectangular recessed area 1 72 to receive the unit battery pack 150. Two occlusions with convex shanks 1 76. Arms 174 define recessed areas that receive and engage a portion of the unit battery pack. The two recessed areas 178 on the outer side wall of the unit battery 絚 housing 156 will receive the convex handle 176 due to the force caused by the elastic bending of the engaging arm 174, similar to the mechanism of a turbine. On the side wall of the back of the recessed area 172, two electrical terminals 180 and 182 'are disposed to engage the two electrical terminals 164 and 166, respectively. The two electrical terminals 184 and 186 on the other side of the air management head 152 are wired with hardware, and power is supplied from the unit battery pack 150 to the electrical device 154. The air management head 152 is partitioned by an air mover such as a fan 192

Page 27 4 634 Ο Ο 5. Description of the invention (25) Two air chambers 188 and 190. The needle 194 extends from the air chamber 188, and the needle 196 extends from the air chamber 190. The air chambers 188 and 190 are connected to the outside air via circular tubes 198 and 200, respectively. The round tubes 198 and 200 (shown graphically) are preferably the diffusion-limiting tubes described above, and the needles 194 and 196 have larger openings 202 and 204, and are designed for use without air flow, not for isolation. Therefore, the unit battery pack 150 is grasped in a movable manner by the air management head 152 to fit the needles 194 and 196 to pierce the partition plate 162. The sharp needles 194 and 196 have sharp needles 206 and 208 ′ to pierce the portions 2 1 0 and 212 ′ of the partition plate 162 and the tubular passages 202 and 204 to provide a unit battery 10 air cathode (not shown) and an air chamber 188 Air channel between 190 and 190. The fan 192 is between the two air chambers 188 and 190, and generates air flow and / or a pressure difference ', and the fan 192 is disposed therebetween. The opening 198 is connected to 200. The outside air or a reactive gas source allows a reactive gas such as oxygen to pass through one of the openings 198 and 200 and a tubular passage or one of the openings 202 and 204. Instead, the air cathode of the unit cell is reached in the manner described above. In this embodiment, the air management head 152 is disposed in the electric device 154 'so that the consumer only needs to purchase the unit battery pack 150. The unit battery pack can be stored in a sealed state with a non-permeable barrier 162 or an impervious tape (not shown) and fixed to the semi-permeable barrier 162. In the latter, the tape is removed or the consumer removes the tape before use.

Page 28 V. Description of the invention (26) _ After the belt is taken, the wholesale store can place the unit battery pack 1 50, so that the unit battery pack has a satisfactory initial open circuit unit battery voltage. Plate 162 'air chamber (not shown), additional air chamber 丨 58, air chambers 188 and 190', fan 192, openings 198 and 200, needles 194 and 196, tubular channels 202 and 204, and other components The materials are preferably changed in accordance with the above β. Figs. 9'10 and 11 show another practical embodiment. The cylindrical metal air battery or power supply has an air management head 2 2 0 and a unit battery pack 2 2 2 as in the embodiment of FIG. 6. The air management head 220 has a cylindrical coupling device 224, a housing 226, two openings 228 and 230, and a positive terminal 232. The unit battery pack has a negative terminal 234, a housing 236, and a coupling portion 2 3 8 including a second positive terminal 240, two negative terminals 242, and an extended self-sealing separator 244. The air management head 220 further includes two positive pole terminals 246 on the opposite sides of the cylinder 2 24, a negative pole terminal (not shown) within the cylinder 224 and orthogonal to the positive pole terminal 246, and two hollows parallel to the battery axis The needles 248 and 250, the two air chambers 252 and 254 divided by the fan 256, and the fan controller 258. The two air chambers 252 and 254 are defined by a circular plate 2 60 and other side walls, and are formed in the air management head 220 by being separated by an air mover like a fan 256. The needle 248 extends from the air chamber 252 and the needle 2 50

Page 29 4 634 Ο Ο 5. Description of the invention (27) Extends from the air chamber 254. The air chambers 252 and 254 are connected to the outside air through openings 228 and 230, respectively. The openings 228 and 23 (shown graphically) are preferably the above-mentioned diffusion-limiting insulation tubes, and the needles 248 and 250 have larger openings 262 and 264 It is designed for non-air flow and not for isolation. The unit battery pack 2 2 2 further includes two unit batteries including an anode colloid 2 66, an anode container 268, an air cathode 27, an insulation terminal plate 272, 274, 276, a current collecting plate, and wiring 278 and 28, and an air chamber. 282. The isolated terminal plate 276 has a slit opening covered with an extended partition 244. The two negative terminals 242 are connected to the anode container 268 by a wire 280. The second positive terminal 240 is connected to a current collector plate (not shown) of the air cathode 27o by wiring (not shown). These four electrical terminals are on the outer circular periphery of the coupling portion 238, and are connected to the inside of the corresponding electrical terminal of the cylindrical coupling device 224 in the air management head 22, so as to provide power to the fan 256. The positive terminal 232 of the power supply is also connected to the electrical terminal 246 using a wiring (not shown). The fan controller 258 is also connected to control the current supply from the unit battery pack 222 to the fan 256. If the elongated separator 244 is formed of a semi-permeable material ', it is possible to maintain a satisfactory initial open-circuit cell voltage during storage. The unit battery pack 222 is held by the air management head 220 in a movable manner to pierce the elongated partition 244 with the needles 248 and 250. In order to selectively lock the unit battery pack 2 2 2 to the air management head 2 2 0, you can use

Page 30 4 6 34 0 0 V. Description of the invention (28) The connector (not shown) of the convex handle and the recessed area in the previous embodiment. The sharp needles 248 and 250 have sharp needles 284 and 286 'to pierce portions 288 and 290' of the partition 2 ^ 4 and tubular passages 262 and 264, providing air from the air cathode 270 to the two air chambers 252 and 254 aisle. The fan 256 is between the two air chambers 252 and 254 and generates air flow and / or a pressure difference. The openings 22S and 230 are connected to the outside air, and a reactive gas such as oxygen passes through one of the openings 228 and 230—and one of the tubular passages 262 and 264, and reaches the air battery 270 of the unit battery in the manner described above. In this embodiment, the air management head 22 can be separated for the next use, so that consumers only need to purchase a unit battery pack 2 2 2. The unit battery pack can be stored in a completely sealed state using an impermeable separator 244 or an impermeable victory tape (not shown), and fixed to the semi-permeable separator 244. In the latter, after removing the tape or the consumer removes the tape before use, the wholesale store can place the unit battery pack 222 to allow the unit battery pack to have a satisfactory initial open-circuit unit battery voltage. Enclosure 236, partition 244 'air chamber 282, air chambers 252 and 254, fan 256, openings 228 and 230' pointed needles 248 and 25G, tubular channels 262 and 264, and other components, the size of '* 目 与 材料' most Fortunately, all changes are made with the above. In particular, the size of the round-shaped light closing device 224 can be the same as that of the case 226, so that the entire battery can form a regular battery of "AA" size. Make a call

Page 463400

Page 32 4 6 34 Ο Ο Simple explanation

Page 33

Claims (1)

4 6 3 4 0 0 and the year 5 amendments 6. Application scope of patent 1. A metal air power supply system, including: an envelope, surrounding one or more metal air unit cells, each unit cell includes an air Electrode; structure, providing first and second air passages in the enclosure, from the air electrode to a pierceable and dense partition, the partition including at least a portion of the enclosure, surrounding the enclosure Unit battery; and A hollow needle forms a portion of a second air channel segment connected to a source of reactive gas, the second air channel segment being positioned to allow the needle to pierce the septum. 2. The metal-air power supply system according to item 1 in the scope of the patent application, further comprising at least one diffusion-restricting passageway in the first and second air passage sections. 3. The metal-air power supply system of item 2 in the scope of the patent application, wherein the diffusion limiting channel is defined by the pointed needle. 4. The metal-air power supply system of item 2 in the scope of the patent application, further comprising at least one air moving device in the air passage. 5. If the metal air power supply system of item 4 in the scope of the patent application, its Page 34 463400 6. In the scope of patent application, the air moving device is between the pointed needle and the diffusion limiting channel. 6. The metal-air power supply system according to item 1 in the scope of the patent application, further comprising: at least one intake diffusion limiting channel and at least one exhaust diffusion limiting channel, located in the second air channel; and at least one An air moving device * is located in the air channel. 7. The metal-air power supply system according to item 6 in the scope of the patent application, wherein the air moving device is between the pointed needle and the diffusion limiting channel. 8. The metal air power supply system of item 1 in the patent, further including: at least one diffusion-restricting channel located in the second air channel section, connecting the hollow needle and the reactive gas source; and at least An air moving device is located in the first air passage section between the air electrode and the partition. 9. The metal-air power supply system of item 8 in the scope of the patent application, wherein the partition comprises a thin film that is semi-permeable to the reactive gas. Page 35 463400 6. Scope of patent application 10. The metal-air power supply system according to item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the separator comprises a thin film that is semi-permeable to the reactive gas. 1 1. The metal-air power supply system according to item 1 in the scope of the patent application, further comprising at least one air moving device between the air electrode and the separator. 12. A metal-air unit battery pack, comprising: a housing including one or more metal-air unit batteries and defining a reactive gas chamber related to the air electrode of the unit battery; and a pierceable and resealable The partition plate forms a part of the outer side wall of the housing, and the partition plate is connected to the air chamber by an air passage. 13. —A ventilation system for a metal air unit battery, comprising: an air moving device in an enclosure; one or more vents located in the enclosure to allow outside air to enter; and one or more A hollow needle extends outward from the enclosure. Page 36